Stay-in weight-loss camps in China are drawing increasing interest from overseas participants aiming to adopt healthier habits through weeks of supervised training and controlled meals.
Singaporean interior designer Alexis Tan traveled to Guangdong province in May 2026 to attend a two-week residential weight-loss camp after discovering similar programs on social media. Positive reviews from Malaysian users on the Chinese lifestyle platform RedNote influenced her decision to sign up for a camp in Dongguan. Tan, who weighed 78kg at the time, sought not only to lose weight but also to reshape her approach to health.
Participants at these camps, such as one in Beijing's Miyun district, start their day with a 40-minute cardio session before breakfast. Senior personal trainer Wu Hao emphasized that maintaining a healthy weight is largely driven by diet, stating, "Diet accounts for about 60 to 70 per cent of it, with exercise making up the rest."
After Tan shared her experience on social media, the camp operator reported receiving about 40 enquiries within a short period. Experts like Poon note that a healthy rate of weight loss is generally about 0.5kg to 1kg per week, although those with obesity may experience faster initial results.
Make-up artist Kang shared that losing weight improved her health and positively changed how others perceived her, also helping her overcome job search difficulties related to her previous weight.
These camps conduct classes to music, minimizing language barriers and making them accessible to international participants.
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